For many, summer is the season for fun and relaxation. Unfortunately, the rise in temperatures also heralds a rise in certain types of insurance claims. Check out three common insurance claims that get filed in summer, and learn what you can do to keep your property and family safer in the sunshine.
BBQ fires
Cookouts are a time-honored American tradition, but all that smoke and flame can turn disastrous more quickly than you think. 57% of grill fires occur between May and August. From 2014 – 2018, these fires caused $149 million dollars in direct property damage in America.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of grill fires is failure to clean, so take steps to ensure flare-ups from grease don’t turn into full-on fires. Dirty grills accumulate grease that can easily re-liquefy and catch fire the next time you turn on your equipment. If you have a gas grill, empty the removable grease container and scrape the radiant plates and catch pans every three or four times you use your grill. Removing that build-up can go a long way towards keeping your yard and home safe.
Never leave your grill unattended, and ensure extra fuel sources are stored far away from the grill. Check your tanks for damage before refilling them.
Drownings
Summertime doesn’t feel complete without at least a few lazy afternoons spent lounging in the pool. Of course, with an increase in pool use comes an increase in pool accidents, and unfortunately, even drownings. According to the CDC, more infants and toddlers die from drowning in America than any other cause of death, except birth defects. Most of these drownings happen in swimming pools.
If you own a pool, make sure you have adequate safety such as gated fencing and a pool cover. Gates should always be locked to ensure neighborhood children can’t use your pool unsupervised and without your knowledge. Pool owners should also carry extra insurance coverage.
Home break-ins
July is the most popular month for travel. More than half of Americans choose to plan their vacations during the long break from school.
The summer months are also some of the most popular for home break-ins. In fact, the rate of burglaries rise almost ten percent between June and August. The average loss from a burglary is a whopping $2,661.
Keep your vacation plans off Instagram until after you return. Burglars often use social media to determine when houses will be vacant. A high-profile string of burglaries in 2019 proved how easy it can be to learn others’ schedules. Seven criminals were arrested in Houston after they used social media to case homes for jewelry, electronics, and expensive artwork.
It’s also smart to have a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member take out your garbage cans and collect your packages. Hire a landscaping service to prevent your lawn from looking neglected. Wireless security cameras and motion-sensitive lights are another effective – and fairly cheap! – way to dissuade a would-be intruder from seeing your house as an easy target.
Filing an insurance claim is stressful. If you’ve experienced a loss to your property, give Cleveland Public Adjusters a call. Our team of experts are here for you every step of the way. We’ll manage the process from start to finish to ensure you get the most from your insurance company.